67 L79 cylinder head question

[Chris E.]

Ok, so I pulled the driver's side valve cover off tonight. Almost the whole engine is really oily and dirty. When I got it off, I saw two "puddles" of something resting in a depression made by one of the bolts.

Should there be any solution of any kind up around the rocker arms and valve springs? I'm thinking no, but I'm not an engine expert.

Also, did I harm anything by taking the covers off and putting them back on? The surface was REALLY dirty and oily, so I'm thinking about ordering a new set of valve cover o-rings and cleaning it up and installing them.

[Donald O.]

Re: 67 L79 cylinder head question

Chris,

What color was this puddle "solution"?

I am unaware of any o-rings on a 67 327-35 hp rocker cover. It used a cork gasket on the rocker cover orininally.

I doubt you did any damage, but don't be afraid to clean it and then clean it again. When it comes to engines, assembling them, cleanliness is an utmost priority.

Don

[Chris E.]

Re: 67 L79 cylinder head question

Don, it looks like a new set of cork valve cover seals is only $12 from Paragon. I'll probably just order a set and clean up the sealing area.

As far as the color of the solution, it looks somewhat clear. Should there be any solution (either oil or antifreeze) up in there?

Chris

[Donald O.]

Re: 67 L79 cylinder head question

Chris,
The only solution you should ever see under a rocker cover is OIL. Anything else is an indication of problems.
Don

[Chuck S.]

Re: 67 L79 cylinder head question

Chris, I don't think there is any need to worry about it for now. Inspect the valve covers to see if there are any rust spots from condensation. Take paper towels and soak up this "clear solution", clean up any rust spots, and replace the valve cover with new gaskets.

Remove the valve covers periodically to see if this "clear solution" has returned...And, drive the car. One problem is likely to be that the engine hasn't been at operating temperature for an extended period in who-knows-when.

The CSM says to coat the head bolts with sealant before installation. It sounds like head bolts may penetrate the water jacket, and the sealant keeps the coolant from seeping up the threads. You may have a little seep of coolant, but coolant is typically green, or orange, or red. Check the oil when you change it to see if you have coolant in the crankcase. Otherwise, it's something to be watched to be confirm the source, but nothing to be overly concerned about.

Install the valve cover gaskets with permatex Form-a-gasket (I forget the number) or gasket dressing ONLY between the valve cover flange and the gasket, and NONE on the engine side of the gasket. This will allow you to remove the valve covers easily for inspection. Torque the valve cover fasteners (55 in-ib per CSM). If you overtorque the fasteners, you WILL bend the valve cover flanges, making it impossible to seal them.

[Rick S.]

Re: 67 L79 cylinder head question

Chris,
While you have the valve covers off document the casting and date code numbers.

Regards,
Rick